Sometimes a birth mother does not know the full identity of the birth father.  However, it is also important to understand that a birth mother may be reluctant to identify the birth father because of various emotions, such as shame or fear, and may simply deny knowing his identity.

For these reasons, it is important that birth mothers receive sensitive counseling from a qualified adoption professional as soon as possible. 

If she really does not know his identify, this will not prevent the adoption from going forward.  In Virginia Adoption Law, the birth mother may sign an affidavit to the effect that she does not know the identify of the birth father.

Additionally, if no man has registered as the father with the Virginia Putative Father Registry, then the Registry will issue a Certificate to that effect, and the adoption may go forward.